Then it hit me. If I use up the invites, the box should go away. If it doesn’t have a purpose, a reason to exist, the server gods at Google will surely remove it from my Gmail web interface, right?

Fortunately for me, yes! And all I had to do to claim those pixels was to send 99 gmail invites to myself. Piece of cake.

CyberPower is an upstanding company with a great reputation. Their only fault in this situation was a representative with sub-par Macintosh experience. I appreciate their cooperation with working through this situation.

The original post is archived below, for posterity sake.

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I recently purchased an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) from CyberPower Inc. It’s the CP550SL, and it looked pretty good in the store. The box said it was PC and Mac compatible, had a comfortable number of outlets, and had standard shutdown features that worked out-of-the-box with Mac OS X. Great!

For anyone who doesn’t know, a UPS is a glorified power strip, a device that takes one electrical outlet and makes several. In addition, it has a built-in battery to power attached devices in the event of a power failure. Using a usb cable, a UPS connects to a computer so the computer can shut itself down before the UPS runs out of electricity.

I plugged in all of my devices, attached the USB cable from the UPS to my Mac, and plugged the UPS in. After cycling the power on all of my devices, I booted my Mac. Excited to configure the automatic shutdown options (the real reason anyone buys a UPS), I went to the Energy Saver prefpane of System Preferences.

Much to my surprise, all of the UPS options were grayed out. I couldn’t configure anything!

From here, I did the technical thing. I cleared out the user and system caches on my MacBook Pro, rebooted, and tried again. No luck.

At this point, I did the responsible thing – contacted tech support. I sent this email:

I just took the UPS out of the box and installed it with my Mac by plugging the USB cable into my Mac’s USB port. In the System Preferences panel, Energy Saver, I can see the UPS under the drop-down “Settings for:”. When I click that and go to the UPS tab below, I can see the battery level and model, but all of the UPS options (what make the UPS useful, like shutting down the computer after a certain period of time) are grayed out! The UPS is useless unless those options work. I’m an administrative user and the panel is unlocked.

I’m a poweruser, and I’m puzzled as to what the problem could be. Normally these things “just work”. Any help would be appreciated before I have to take this unit back.

This morning, I got this two-sentence response:

The grayed out option is a bug in the latest version of Mac. You can check for an update from Mac.

This response is unacceptable. First and foremost, “the latest version of Mac” doesn’t make sense. The Mac is a computer, the Operating System it runs is Mac OS X, and the company that ships both of those products is Apple Inc. A tech support person would never say,

The grayed out option is a bug in the latest version of Windows. You can check for an update from Windows.

Obviously, he or she would recommend that I check for an update from Microsoft or from Windows Update.

Moving on, there’s no update available from Apple! I’m running the latest version of the Mac OS; the next version, 10.5.5, isn’t expected for some time (more than two weeks). A responsible tech support agent would have told me that CyberPower Inc. is working with Apple to correct the problem and I should expect a fix on a certain date or time-frame. Due to his or her lack of detail, I will likely return this product to the store I purchased it.

The Apple market-share is a small fraction of the computer market. However, we’re a vocal fraction. Until this is resolved, I unequivocally urge Mac users not to purchase any products from CyberPower Inc.

In the last paragraph, I predicted that the carnival would be “uncomfortable”. Last night, a kid was either physically assaulted or “mugged”. Although I don’t know all of the details, it’s really unfortunate. To add onto this, the hooligans who started Dover High School’s (much talked about) decline traveled around together in packs. It was unsettling.

Although I’m enjoying myself, this year’s carnival feels different so far – different in a bad way.

I hope I’m overreacting.

Regrettably, it seems I wasn’t overreacting at all. In fact, I’m now outraged. Last night, during the final evening of the 2008 Dover Carnival, there was an incident. I won’t go into detail here, but in brief, a resident of Dover Plains was stabbed in public. I’ll let the newspapers handle the details, which I’ll link to at some point. (Edit: One person told me it would be appropriate to say that the perpetrators of the act weren’t Dover residents. This is true, but I don’t think it changes anything.)

Let me emphasize this: Last night, at the Dover Carnival, a person was stabbed in public. The person was then taken to the hospital by ambulance.

A year ago, I’d flat-out deny this as being possible in my town. Now, I’m not all that surprised. I have no reason to reserve myself on this topic anymore. This town is falling apart, piece by piece. Gradually, it’s transforming from a safe and comfortable place to raise a family into a degenerating hellhole. It’s unacceptable, and I feel that it’s the climax of a trend that I’ve written about over the last few months.

From my perspective, I first had a personal crisis with a disrespectful young man. I then ran into problems dealing with my high school’s administration. Finally, I began to butt heads with the ideas and values of the so-called “gangs” that have popped up in the community.

If it isn’t clear by now, I love the Dover Carnival. Most Dover citizens enjoy spending a night or two there, but I have decided to use the word “love”, have chosen to go all four nights, and have dedicated myself to blogging about it. No, I don’t think I’m crazy, and no, I’m not addicted to carnival rides or carnival food.

I love the Dover Carnival because I love people. Every year, the local fire department puts together a wonderful venue for everyone to go out and have a good time. Not only do I get to catch up with people I don’t see all that often, but I can watch others do the same, which naturally makes me happy. The Dover Carnival is a place for friendly people to get out and enjoy their right to a safe and fun time.

Now, like everything else that I have ever valued in this town, the Dover Carnival is seemingly under attack. It breaks my heart to say this, but I don’t think there’s anything we can really do except to watch out backs.

…

My thoughts are, of course, with those affected by the events of yesterday evening.

Is it better to be objective in our decision making, or should our relationships play a role? Is it better to be right or loyal?

Stever gave his answer to the question, but I felt compelled to give my perspective. It took me a few days to get my thoughts together on the subject, but here’s what I formed…

There’s no answer to this question that applies to everyone. The right answer is whatever lets that person sleep at night. Just like a productivity or organizational system, there’s no “one size fits all” solution. As long as the person using the system has confidence in it, it works.

Of course, that answer is a complete cop out, so I’ll try to make it personal. Those are two uncomfortable questions to ask myself, but I can’t improve unless I challenge myself. Is it better for me to be right or loyal?

In a perfect world, these two items aren’t diametrically opposed. In this fantasy land I just referenced, being loyal to one’s relationships is the right thing. We wouldn’t have to ask ourselves the tough questions or make decisions that challenge our values; regrettably, this world doesn’t exist. When found, it’s often short-lived.

I’d like to think I wouldn’t violate my moral principles for the benefit of a relationship. But, what if that relationship was more important to me than morality at that time? What if the relationship delivered more value to me than ethics would have? Suddenly, the world isn’t in black and white as emotion and reason collide.

I’ve regretted betraying my principles for relationships in the past, but I’ve also regretted sacrificing the people in my life for my values. A lot of people can’t even imagine themselves stealing from others, but if the situation was desperate enough, they might. Likewise, when the situation is dire, people may throw away their values to help another person or forfeit a relationship for the sake of their values, quite contradictory to what they thought they’d do in such a situation.

Not too long ago, I had this status message on twitter, facebook, and AIM.

People are the most important things in our lives. Put them above everything else.

At the time, I believed that. Now, with some consideration, I’m wavering. It’s not that I suddenly not value people anymore; honestly, I do. It’s just too easy to say something as absolute as “put them above everything else” without being tested. Values, personal beliefs on what is right and wrong, are just thoughts unless translated into actions. Asking a question like this is an interesting thought exercise, but as you can see from my ranting, I cannot answer it right now. It raises too many questions, too many what ifs without a specific situation to think about.

I hope to find the answer the next time I’m put to the test. When that trial happens, I’ll try to do what will let me sleep at night.

Readers, what do you think? Try answering that question for yourself and post what you come up with in the comments.

I can’t pinpoint what’s causing the problem, but I know that it didn’t used to be like this. I used to feel safe in school, but now I’m not so sure. Admittedly, my brush with ear injury has forever altered my view of Dover Plains, but there’s much more to it than that.

I know that I can’t solve the school’s problems, but when directly faced with a related issue, I rise to the challenge. At least, I try.

My Problem

I’m obviously dedicated to Dover’s student body and will be until graduation. I served as my Class President for two years and now serve as the Student Council President. I’ve put in many hours to ensure successful pep rallies, homecomings, dodgeball tournaments, fundraisers, after prom parties, and miscellaneous charities while expecting nothing in return. Far more important than these, however, are the instances where my Student Council has been challenged by bureaucracy and I’ve had to “fight the man”.

It’s true. A student-run organization in a public high school can run into problems with other organizations, including adults and administrative bodies who are supposed to help the students. In the weeks and months to come, I’ll tell those stories; there’s no reason for me not to. Until then, there’s a short-term crisis.

Prior to four years ago, Dover High School had two pep rallies, one in the fall and one in the spring. Although that was “before my time”, I’ve been told they were miserable events. In response, former leaders decided to turn the spring pep rally into a “Leadership Rally” featuring a motivational speaker. The deal was that the High School Student Council would choose the speaker and the school administration would pay for it.

At least, that’s what we thought the deal was. Administration didn’t budget enough money to purchase the services of a motivational speaker this year, and it has been suggested that the High School Student Council pick up the tab. The money isn’t the problem, it’s the precedent.

Precedent is a terrifying thing in Dover High School. If an organization does something once, regardless of what anyone says, it will be expected to do it in the future. I’ve been working through a similar issue already this year, but I haven’t reached a solution. Essentially, financial burdens are being dumped onto Dover’s High School Student Council and the system isn’t sustainable. My treasurer has played with the numbers, and the Student Council can only carry on this way for about five years before running out of funds.

I cannot and will not allow this to happen. But, what can I do?

My Solution

The student body is expecting an assembly with a motivation speaker later this year, and it’s the Student Council’s perceived job to deliver. Student Council, in the past few years, has given opening remarks and let the speaker do his or her thing, despite not footing the bill.

My solution is an ultimatum. Dover High School is in shambles right now. A motivational speaker can’t solve its problems, but it certainly can’t hurt. After consulting my advisors and friends, the key people who rewrote the Student Council Constitution with me, I’ve decided to just say no.

The High School Student Council won’t pay for it. The assembly will occur, but in a crippled form. Although the student body suffers in the short term, the choice makes sense for the future. I refuse to leave this school knowing my Student Council cannot financially sustain itself.

I’ll let you know how it turns out.

Really? You’re going to ask a student who has opted out of your mail and phone calls on three separate occasions to send in an application this late in the game?

I’m not that desperate, but it seems they are.

By mid-day, the student was punished. As I type this post, he’s sitting in a three-hour detention session. More importantly, his privilege of using the school weight room in the evening has been “suspended until further notice”. Also, word has gotten around about the incident to people who matter – his coaches and teachers.

Although all of this brings me no joy, I hope he’s learned a lesson.

I seriously doubt it, though.

…

I’d also like to thank everyone for their concern and kind words. No, really, thank you. You all comforted me during a very difficult time in my life. For that, I’m grateful. Another set of thanks to my High School’s administration and people who care about setting things right.

By the way, in the alternate reality where I didn’t restrain myself, I would have been suspended for at least one day. That would have went on my record, which would have been passed on to whatever college I attend. In the end, I played my cards right, despite my lackluster hand.

Fast forward to this afternoon. My Dad wanted to take his motorcycle to a repair shop. He was going to make a drop off, and I was going to pick him up to bring him home. Unfortunately, there was some miscommunication, and I drove to the wrong shop. That mistake cost both of us an hour and a fair amount of gasoline.

Forget it. Not a big deal.

Immediately afterward, I had to run some food up to the school for my sister, who was at drama rehearsal. Because my day was going so poorly, I was glad to do this favor; it would make me feel like a good brother and a little better. After all, I love my sister.

After dropping the food off, I was still agitated from my subpar day. I walked outside the school and saw a bench. It was warm outside and there was a slight breeze; it was perfect. I decided that to calm down and just feel better, I would lay down on this bench, close my eyes, and daydream. It’s something I’ve done often over the last six years here at Dover Middle/High School. I thought Dover was the kind of place where you can do something like that and feel safe. I was infinitely comfortable, safe, and secure.

…

Water. Someone was pouring water onto my head. A middle school boy who I’ve never met was pouring water, from a bottle he was drinking out of, onto my head. Water. I just went for invasive ear surgery. If I got my ear wet, I’d be very sick and in excruciating pain for at least a week. More drastically, it could ruin my surgery. For no reason, this boy was pouring water onto my head.

I jumped up, appalled. I’m not going to lie to you, I lost it. In front of one witness, a school substitute teacher, I verbally let loose on this kid. Out of all of the instances in my life where violence was seemingly appropriate, this was number one.

But – I restrained myself. I don’t believe that violence solves problems, and I’m proud I stuck with my values.

I’m just having a hard time believing that a young man can just walk up to another man, an older man taking a nap, and randomly inflict harm upon him. Forget my healing ear – the water was ice cold. I could have jerked my head and slammed it down on the bench.

As I yelled at this boy, a 7th grader, he laughed at me. I questioned what values he had. I questioned if his parents taught him anything about respect. He kept laughing, I kept yelling. He walked away.

…

I approached the only credible witness, the substitute teacher who was with her young son. I apologized to her for anything inappropriate I said in front of her boy, and she told me I handled myself well. I asked her if she knew the boy. She did, and I took down his name and hers. Needless to say, the Middle School Principal will be paid a visit from one Mr. Richard Mondello tomorrow morning.

It’s not a vengeance thing – I don’t believe in revenge, either. This young man needs to understand that you don’t do something like that to anybody. It doesn’t matter that he could have ruined a very painful and expensive surgery and ruined my chances to hear ever again out of that ear. What if I had been laying on my side, with my healing ear facing up? It would have been toast.

The inside of my good ear was drenched. My hair was drenched. Luckily, the cotton ball I wore in my healing ear protected it.

This could have easily been the worst day of my life.

I always seem to have problems, though.

Last year, many people could not hear the music that the Master of Ceremonies played. I set out, with the lessons I learned from Pepcoming, to make sure that wouldn’t happen again. Of course, the Student Council’s audio equipment (amp and sound board) was borrowed earlier that day, and never put back. That wouldn’t have been a problem if the middle school band teacher who borrowed it had told me he used it. What a concept!

Nothing is more bothersome than someone who thinks he or she can do whatever he or she pleases.

Luckily, I managed to wire together a podium and some speakers, and the tournament had its music. Lesson?

Don’t borrow things without asking.